Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. There is a multitude of things to do in Udaipur, the experiences of which will stay with you for a lifetime. As you walk down the streets of Udaipur, you will feel the royalty the city exudes. With so many colours and shades to bask in, a trip to Udaipur is more like looking through a kaleidoscope. There are far too many things to do in Udaipur, from exploring the palaces to discovering winding lanes that lead to unknown corners of the city. Here is our list of things to do in Udaipur that you must not miss.

Go for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is an artificial fresh water lake created in the year 1362. Today, this place is a tourist-magnet where people visit from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the glimmering lake. What makes this lake even more popular among travellers is the provision for boating here. Boating on Lake Pichola definitely should top your list of things to do in Udaipur. You can opt for a boat trip during the day or in the evening, however, the majestic allure of Lake Pichola is best experienced during and after sunset. 

 

An evening boat ride to Lake Pichola should be on your things to do in Udaipur itinerary if you are on a romantic getaway with your loved one. We suggest going half an hour before sunset to enjoy the magnetic scene of the last rays of the sun hitting the glistening lake water. Slowly, as night approaches, the palaces and temples on the islands around the lake are lit up with colourful lights that reflect on the water. The gleaming water of the lake is one of the most extraordinary things to see in Udaipur. Among all the things to do in Udaipur, boating on Lake Pichola amazes you with a mesmerising view and leaves you with a completely different outlook of the city. It is assured that you will return refreshed and happy.

 

Cost: Tickets for adults during daytime and afternoon is Rs.400 and Rs.200 for kids. Boat rides during the evening are priced at Rs.700 for adults and Rs.400 for kids. Overall, it should cost you over Rs.400.

 

Take a tour of City Palace

Taking a tour of City Palace must be on your list of things to do in Udaipur because your itinerary will be incomplete without exploring the wonders of the largest palace complex in the city. Owned by the royal family of Mewar, City Palace was constructed by Maharana Udai Singh II after he chose Udaipur as his new capital. Over the next couple of centuries, the palace went through various changes in ownership. Visiting City Palace is surely one of the most fascinating things to do in Udaipur to expand your knowledge on the history of Rajasthan.

 

City palace is an architectural wonder combining Indian, European, Medieval and Chinese styles of architecture. The interior of City Palace will amaze you with its dazzling mirror-work and silverwork. The winding corridors and colourful balconies of the palace are such that you could easily get lost wandering. There is an open terrace that offers a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola and the city. One of the most alluring things to see in Udaipur, this terrace view should surely not be missed! There are various complexes in the palace showcasing different styles of decorations, and exploring these is one of the most intriguing things to do in Udaipur. For example, the Sheesh Mahal is the palace of mirrors, Laxmi Vilas Chowk is adorned with gorgeous Mewar paintings, Durbar Hall is the main hall used for official purposes decorated with alluring chandeliers, the Dilkhush Mahal featuring wall paintings, and the Rang Bhawan now houses temples of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Meera Bai. The things to do in Udaipur, especially in City Palace, do not end at that. After you are done touring the palace, go ahead and check out the craft shops and boutiques selling traditional Rajasthani handicraft items. We suggest visiting early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds of tourists.


Cost: Entry tickets are priced at a nominal amount of Rs.30 for adults and Rs.15 for children. You have to pay extra for cameras. A trip to City Palace in your things to do in Udaipur itinerary will cost you between Rs.50 and Rs.1000

Explore Bagore Ki Haveli

When you ask someone about the things to do in Udaipur, exploring Bagore Ki Haveli will inevitably come up. Built in the 18th century by the then Prime Minister of Mewar, Bagore Ki Haveli is an example of true architectural brilliance and skilful artistry. After being renovated countless times, today the palace serves as a museum. Once you enter the Haveli you are welcomed by an enormous courtyard and a lovely lotus fountain. The majestic archways of the palace usher you into a world of the kings and queens of Mewar. Admire the glassworks and paintings adorning the walls and the colourful glass windows of the Chamber of the Royal Ladies. Some of the best things to do in Udaipur are to visit its magnificent palaces, and Bagore Ki Haveli gives you the perfect opportunity to do that. The palace is divided into a number of museums, and a visit to each should definitely be included in your list of things to do in Udaipur. The Turban Museum displays a multitude of turbans from various states of India like Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. This is one of the most fun things to see in Udaipur.

 

Puppets are an essential part of Rajasthani culture, and the colourful Puppet Museum in Bagore Ki Haveli showcases that. A delight for kids and adults alike, the Puppet Museum is a must-visit. One of the best things to do in Udaipur is to buy some puppets from the museum and support local artists. The wedding section at Bagore Ki Haveli displays the various customs and rituals followed in Indian weddings in the form of puppets. One of the other interesting things to do in Udaipur is to check out the weapons section which displays the fascinating weapons used by the kings and their armies. When you are in Bagore Ki Haveli, we suggest staying there for the Dharohar Dance Show. Watching this show must definitely be included in your list of things to do in Udaipur. This is a dance and music show presented by skilled dancers and musicians. The brightly coloured attires and the mesmerising performance make for one of the best things to see in Udaipur. A puppet show is held to engage the younger audience.

 

Cost: The ticket for Bagore Ki Haveli Museum is priced at Rs.60 for Indians and Rs.30 for kids. Foreign nationals are required to pay Rs.100 and Rs.50 for adults and kids, respectively. You need to pay an additional Rs.50 if you wish to use a camera. The price for watching the Dharohar Dance Show is about Rs.100 for Indian adults and around Rs.50 for kids. Tickets are priced at Rs.150 for foreign adults and Rs.75 for children. An extra amount of Rs.150 is chargeable for your camera. All the things to do in Udaipur are memorable, but a visit to this museum is sure to stay with you for a lifetime.

 

Ride the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple

Riding the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple is undeniably one of the most exciting things to do in Udaipur. Located on the Machla Hills, the ride up to the temple is thrilling yet enchanting. The cable car will take about five minutes to drop you to Karni Mata Temple from Deen Dayal Park near Shiv Niwas Palace hotel. The view from the cable car is absolutely breathtaking as you get a clear picture of the lakes and palaces guarded by the Aravalli Hills. In fact, you can get a brief idea of the things to see in Udaipur when you are up in the air! Since many people visit the temple daily, you will need to wait in a queue to buy a ticket for the ropeway ride. We suggest getting there as early as possible or paying extra to skip the line. The cable car ride to Karni Mata Temple is an interesting activity you can add to your list of things to do in Udaipur. 

 

Cost: A cable car ride costs about Rs.80 for adults and Rs.40 for kids. You can book an entire cabin for yourself for Rs.400. 

Offer your prayers at the Karni Mata Temple

The list of things to do in Udaipur is not complete without a trip to Karni Mata Temple. The temple is located atop a hill with a brilliant view of the entire city. The white-stone idol of Goddess Karni Mata is one of the holiest things to see. Although there are ropeway services available, a lot of devotees prefer climbing the stairs up to the temple. They believe reaching the temple on foot is a good way to win Karni Mata’s favour and earn her blessings. Make sure you are fit to do this, though, because climbing up those steps is one of the most challenging things to do in Udaipur. 

 

The temple grounds are quite spacious and you can take a quick tour of the place before going in the temple. You are sure to be amazed by the panoramic view of the Lake Pichola, Lake Palace and City Palace from up here. If you happen to be a shutterbug, then clicking pictures of the city down below is possibly one of the best things to do in Udaipur. Believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the family members of Karni Mata are said to have been reincarnated as rats. Praying to the white-stoned idol of Karni Mata placed here is said to fulfil any dream or desire that you may have, especially if you visit in the morning or evening. Spending your morning admiring the scenic beauty of this place should be a top priority in your list of things to do in Udaipur.

 

Cost: Visiting Karni Mata Temple is free of cost. However, cable car rides are priced at around Rs.90 for Indian adults and Rs.45 for kids. Foreign individuals are required to pay Rs.300 and Rs.150 for adults and kids, respectively.

Explore the flora and fauna at Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

From exploring palaces and temples to going for boat rides, there are loads of things to do in Udaipur. What many people do not know is that Udaipur has a wildlife sanctuary which shelters a great many wild animals. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary shows you a different side of Udaipur where wild animals roam free in their near-natural enclosures. The animals in this sanctuary-cum-zoo are healthy and taken well care of. Spending an evening watching wild animals in their element is one of the most exciting things to do in Udaipur that you will absolutely love.

 

Aimed at conserving endangered flora and fauna, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal spot for nature lovers. After paying a nominal entry fee, you can either choose to walk or hire a cart to the various animal enclosures. You need to pay additional charges for hiring carts. Walking through the greenery of the park is one of the most refreshing things to do in Udaipur, and we suggest opting for this option only if you are physically fit enough. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary houses animals like deer, tigers, lions, crocodiles, panthers, blackbucks and blue bulls. The sanctuary is a must-visit place if you have kids with you, as they would be thrilled to see these wild animals up close. Not only kids, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary fascinates people of all ages. As a result, this wildlife sanctuary is undeniably one of the most amazing things to see in Udaipur.

 

Cost: The entry fee is around Rs.30 for adults, and is discounted for kids with valid school/college identity cards. Foreign nationals are charged higher for entry tickets. You have to pay extra for cameras. A visit to Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in your things to do in Udaipur itinerary can cost you anywhere between Rs.500 and Rs.1000. 

 

Visit Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple, situated near City Palace, is one of the oldest temples in the city. Visiting this temple needs to be on your list of things to do in Udaipur if you are looking to gain knowledge on the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, Jagdish Temple has been in constant worship since its construction. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is especially crowded during puja hours. Carved from black stone, the idol of Lord Vishnu is said to be very sacred. Religious reasons aside, the magnificence of this temple makes visiting it one of the top things to do in Udaipur. This white-marbled temple houses smaller shrines of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva as well. Admiring the intricately carved pillars and hand-painted ceilings are some of the most wonderful things to do in Udaipur. We suggest getting a VIP ticket if you want to avoid long queues.


Cost: You can buy items of worship such as flowers and incense sticks within the temple grounds. These items should not cost you more than Rs. 200.

Admire ancient cars at the Vintage and Classic Car Museum

Udaipur is known to the world as a city that takes pride in its glorious past and rich cultural heritage. Much of this city’s history has been written by the monarchs that ruled this city. So when you visit, one of the finest things to do in Udaipur is to rediscover its regal history. You should definitely visit the Vintage and Classic Car Museum in Udaipur to get a better understanding of the royal lifestyle. This museum showcases the exquisite collection of royal antique cars still used by the royal family. If you are an automobile enthusiast then this museum should be a part of your things to do in Udaipur list. 

 

The erstwhile Mewar State Motor Garage shelters the Vintage and Classic Car Museum situated on Gulab Bagh Road. If you want to delve deep into the lives of the modern kings of Rajasthan, then this place is a dream come true, and should top your list of things to do in Udaipur list. The collection comprises 20 wonderfully maintained antique cars. You will find an MG-TC Convertible, a Ford-A Convertible, a 1936 Vauxhall-12, two 1939 Cadillacs, four classic Rolls-Royces, rare models of Mercedes, and solar operated rickshaws here. A1934 Rolls-Royce used in a James Bond movie is stationed here and capturing pictures of it has since become a major inclusion in things to do in Udaipur itineraries. 

 

Cost: A trip to the Vintage and Classic Car Museum in your things to do in Udaipur itinerary will cost you Rs. 400 or more depending on the number of people with you.

Take a peek into the local life at Shilpgram

Udaipur is a city that revels in its cultural heritage. Even after centuries, the waves of modernity have not been able to uproot the traditions of this place. A majority of the traditional values of this city have been preserved through art and crafts. As a result, the finest things to see and things to do in Udaipur revolve around the different art forms found here. Shilpgram was inaugurated in 1989 by Rajiv Gandhi and has since been a seat of local art and crafts in Rajasthan. Three kilometres away from Udaipur city, Shilpgram is situated far from the hustle-bustle of the city. This place is modelled after Indian villages with huts resembling those found in Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Strolling through and taking in the sight of this place are some quite relaxing things to do in Udaipur. There are a plethora of items for you to buy – starting from home decor items and furniture to jewellery and trinkets. They’re perfect as gifts and your friends and family will love these items. Our country takes pride in rural forms of art and crafts, and Shilpgram showcases and honours the skill of rural artists with gusto. Shopping here is no doubt one of the most enjoyable things to do in Udaipur. 

 

There is an open-air stage in Shilpgram meant for local art festivals and dance performances. You will be mesmerised by the level of creativity, dedication and skill of the performers. Watching folk and tribal dancers perform is surely one of the most enchanting things to do in Udaipur. Seeing art exhibitions, tasting local food and attending workshops on folk art are some engaging things to do in Udaipur. This place is perfect for people who wish to broaden their knowledge on the traditional forms of art and culture of the country. There are options for camel riding outside Shipgram, so go and try that out as well!

 

Cost: Adults have to pay Rs.30 to enter, whereas the tickets are priced at Rs.15 for kids. A trip to Shilpgram can cost anywhere between Rs.50 and Rs.500. 

 

Enjoy a meal at Jagat Niwas Palace

Jagat Niwas Palace is a 17th-century palace-turned-hotel situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. Built in the Mewari style of architecture, Jagat Niwas Palace is an elegant structure that exudes royal charm. Jagat Niwas Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel today where you can live your dreams of being treated like royalty. Jagat Niwas Palace is famed for its grandeur and one of the most luxurious things to do in Udaipur is to dine here. Surpassing the magnificent property is the view it offers of the shimmering Lake Pichola and Hanuman Ghat. A lot of tourists come to this place due to the rooftop restaurant and the ambience it provides. Simple yet elegant tables and chairs are laid at the edge of the rooftop, the black and white chequered floor of which enlivens the place. Your things to do in Udaipur list is never complete without a visit to Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

 

A multi-cuisine restaurant, Jagat Niwas Palace is best known for its Indian dishes. You can choose from a wide array of food items here. Opt for their delectable kebabs and renowned laal maans (red meat). When in Jagat Vilas Palace Hotel, trying out traditional Rajasthani thali is one of the chief things to do in Udaipur. If you happen to visit Udaipur with a loved one then dining at Jagat Niwas Palace should be your top priority. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the golden hue of the sky reflects against the gleaming lake, or after. Enjoying dinner with your loved one while sipping a glass of wine is certainly one of the most relaxing things to do in Udaipur after a busy day of sightseeing. If you want to experience dining under the stars then we recommend making a prior booking since this place is always high on demand.


Cost: If you are in a mood to splurge then dinner at Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel would cost you between Rs.2500 and Rs.5000 for two people. 

Shopping in Hathi Pol Market

If you are a shopaholic then shopping in Hathi Pol Market will surely turn out to be one of the best things to do in Udaipur for you. This place offers a diverse choice of dazzling items such as silver jewellery, leather bags and jootis. Hathi Pol Market is a shopper’s wonderland and is usually overflowing with avid local and tourist buyers. You get a huge collection of local handicraft items and traditional Rajasthani folk paintings here. One of the favoured things to do in Udaipur is to pamper yourself and your loved ones with gifts and souvenirs from Hathi Pol Market. 

 

The items are moderately priced, therefore shopping in Hathi Pol Bazar is one of the things to do in Udaipur that does not require you to spend a fortune. However, shopkeepers will increase prices of regular items once they realise that you are a tourist. Therefore, we suggest honing your bargaining skills before buying anything. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, there are loads of things for you to do in Hathi Pol Market. You can take a stroll around the place and be amazed by the brightly coloured items on display. In fact, window shopping in Hathi Pol Market is one of the most entertaining things to do in Udaipur.

 

Cost: Including a visit to Hathi Pol Market in your things to do in Udaipur itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.500 and Rs.3000 depending on the things you buy. There is a chance that you will end up buying more than you had planned to, so it is advisable to keep extra cash in hand.

 

Written by Baishali Dutta. She finds solace in words and her ukulele, and would rather be living in the hills.

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